Austrade Inc: A Leading North American Lecithin Company
For nearly 30 years, Austrade Inc. has been at the forefront of innovation in the clean label ingredient space as a leading North American lecithin company. We empower food and beverage manufacturers to create healthy, natural products that benefit consumers.
Our dedication to sourcing premium ingredients is built on strong partnerships with trusted manufacturers. A shared vision and devotion to quality ensures that every ingredient meets the highest standards. Every step of the process is equally valuable, from the initial cultivation stage to final product delivery.
THE AUSTRADE ADVANTAGE
What sets Austrade Inc apart is not only our premium ingredient portfolio.
Our commitment to service, supply chain reliability, and deep application expertise aid in each stage of production. Our capabilities support product ideation to clean label reformulation efforts. We work directly with each of our customers to ensure finished products meet both regulatory and sensory expectations.
Austrade was established in 1997 and became one of North America’s first suppliers to specialize in naturally Non GMO and Organic Sunflower Lecithin.
A combination of strong European partnerships and a rapidly growing U.S. organic market presented a unique opportunity to fill a void in the niche market. Organic ingredients and food products from Europe were generally perceived as healthier even then.
In 1991, The European Union enacted formal organic regulations serving as a pioneer for the world. Conversely, the United States took years to develop its National Organic Program (NOP) which was not fully implemented by law until 2002.
THE RISE OF LECITHIN
Over the years, the food and beverage industry has expanded due to an increase in demand for natural and functional ingredients.
Lecithin, a mixture of naturally occurring phospholipids, is often used as an emulsifier, stabilizer and thickening agent across various industries.
It is derived from soybeans, rapeseed, sunflowers and other sources through a variety of formats.
As consumers become increasingly more health-conscious, they are actively seeking products that contain natural additives over synthetic ones. Increased health awareness and the rise of convenience products has led to a growing demand for naturally Non GMO and Organic lecithin sources.
Some target food & beverage applications include chocolate and confectionery, baked goods, salad dressings and dairy products. A significant portion of CPG food products contain some form of emulsifier, most commonly lecithin.
Lecithin aids in binding fat and enhancing moisture in high protein food and beverage formulations. It works to improve mouthfeel and the dispersion of high-fat powders while creating a smooth, even consistency across applications. Lecithin also prevents fat separation in applications that require retort processing. Its enhanced surface qualities have also led to increased use across confectionery applications.
LECITHIN’S MULTI–FUNCTIONALITY ACROSS INDUSTRIES
Lecithin is an essential ingredient that offers various health benefits to applications outside of the food and beverage industry. It is offered in a variety of different formats including liquid, powder and granules. Lecithin provides a good source of choline which is essential for supporting cell membrane function.
It is widely used in pharmaceutical and cosmetic formulations to enhance product texture and stability.
An excellent emollient, lecithin compliments a variety of skin and hair care applications. Lip balms, lotions, creams, serums, hair conditionersand facial cleansers may all benefit from the addition of lecithin.
Lecithin can be consumed as a supplement and is often used in the manufacturing of medications and pharmaceuticals. It serves a key role in stabilizing formulations and improving their bioavailability. It even aids in the penetration of some active ingredients such as retinol and vitamin C.
A DEMAND FOR NON-SOY LECITHIN
Sunflower and rapeseed lecithin are two of the leading plant–based lecithin sources. They are free from allergens and animal by-products, contributing to their widespread appeal. Deciding which ingredient to formulate with largely depends on the target application, desired outcome and product availability.
SUNFLOWER LECITHIN VS. RAPESEED LECITHIN
Organic & Non GMO sunflower lecithin is sourced from one single ingredient: sunflower seeds.
The advantages of sunflower lecithin are vast. It offers a relatively neutral taste, very low odor, and strong stability due to its lower linolenic acid content. It also provides excellent dispersing and emulsifying properties due to its higher phosphatidylcholine content.
For applications where soy lecithin is preferred but organic certification and a hypoallergenic profile is essential, Austrade’s Organic Sunflower Lecithin is an ideal solution. Its performance quality and functionality are equivalent to that of soy lecithin. Organic sunflower lecithin is an excellent choice for premium, organic and sensitive care products.
Non-GMO rapeseed lecithin is also plant-based and derived from one single ingredient: oilseeds of the Brassica napus plant. It is a common choice for its cost-effectiveness, making it ideal across large-scale production applications.
For applications that do not require organic certification but a clean label is still essential, Austrade’s Non GMO Rapeseed Lecithin is the ideal choice. Rapeseed lecithin also offers a lower content of saturated fat compared to sunflower lecithin. It serves as an excellent solution for brands reformulating to reduce overall saturated fat content.
Pharmaceutical applications and cognitive blends may also benefit from the use of Non GMO rapeseed lecithin. Although sunflower lecithin is rich in polyunsaturated fats, rapeseed lecithin has a higher omega-3 fatty acid content.
AUSTRADE INC: YOUR TRUSTED INGREDIENT PARTNER
As the regulatory landscape for food safety and standards continues to evolve, the demand for natural products is expected to grow.
Brands seeking to create healthy, natural products that align with evolving consumer demands will thrive.
Beverage brands may consider reformulating a functional beverage to reduce sugar content while maintaining viscosity.
Food brands may opt to enhance the protein content of a snack innovation without altering texture or flavor.
No matter the formulation, our expertise and dedication to transparency, sustainability, and clean label innovation positions us as a trusted partner.
Contact the leading North American lecithin company today and let us help with your next project!